When things go wrong in our day-to-day lives, we count on first responders to keep us safe. EMTs, firefighters, police officers, and all emergency responders are known for bravery and reliability. A deep impact is felt within the community when one of its first responders gets injured while on duty. When this happens, we are here to ensure the first responder gets the compensation owed.
Our team at Brumback & Ottem understand the irreplaceable service first responders play in our community and beyond. That’s why we are proud to return the favor when they need help after an accident.
Common Injuries for First Responders
Depending on which branch of first response you are in, common injuries may vary. Even within branches, injuries can range from minor to fatal. No matter the injury, it is important you seek help if it has cost you in productivity or medical bills.
Common causes of injuries for EMTs:
- Violent people and animals
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Exposure to hazardous substances
- Unsafe premises
- Falls
Common causes of injuries for firefighters:
- Smoke inhalation
- Exposure to fire
- Collapsing or unstable structures
- Violent people and animals
- Extreme weather conditions
- Explosions
Common causes of injuries for police officers:
- Homicide
- Violent people and animals
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Accidental shootings
Common injuries suffered by emergency responders:
- Broken/fractured bones
- Burns
- Repetitive motion injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal and neck injuries
- Chemical burns
- Complications caused by hazardous materials
Damages Available for Injured First Responders
When first responders get injured on the job, the employer is responsible for covering any expenses resulting from the injury. This means, medical expenses, lost wages, and recovery costs. In the tragic cases in which a responder dies, their loved ones are eligible to receive death benefits and compensation for medical and funeral costs.
Compensation for medical costs should cover all out of pocket expenses from the injury. This means ambulance fees, treatment fees, and rehabilitation costs. These bills, if left uncompensated, can drain even the healthiest savings accounts. When first responders find themselves financially bankrupt due to their employers short-changing them, it’s just adding insult to injury.
Beyond medical costs, if the injury impacts the responder’s ability to work, they could see wage losses, impacted employability, and severe detriments to their career as a whole. This is why employers can be held responsible for the responder’s lost wages and potentially partial disability benefits. You shouldn’t have to use your sick or personal leave to recover from an injury and we will fight to ensure you are compensated for lost leave.
In the case of a wrongful death, the family members of the loved ones are often not only dealing with a tremendous loss, they are also sorting through extensive medical bills, planning the funeral, and worrying about any future income they may have been relying on from their lost loved one. With the help of wrongful death compensation, the employer is responsible for the medical bills and funeral expenses of the lost responder. They may also be on the hook for the responder’s lost future income, all to ensure the family of the responder doesn’t fall into financial ruin.
Get Help from a Yakima Lawyer That’s Dedicated to You
If you or a family member is a first responder that has been injured in the line of duty and want to make sure you get the compensation you deserve, you will need the best help you can get. Our team of attorneys are here to fight for those who fight for us every single day, making sure they get the support they need when things go sideways.
Brumback & Ottem are committed to personal injury law and ensuring our clients get every penny they are owed. As a veteran owned business, we are also committed to giving back to our first responders by offering high quality service at a discount available to both first responders and veterans. Contact us today to learn more about your case and to take advantage of your free initial consultation.